One thing that David Allen says that loses me a bit...

05-30-2013, 06:45 PM

I often hear David refer to having the right map in order to be properly engaged with the present. At first, I thought he was talking about mind maps but now it seems to represents a tool, a system, a checklist. I guess I am really not sure. Can someone explain to me what David is referring to by indicating that you need the right map.

I often hear David refer to having the right map in order to be properly engaged with the present. At first, I thought he was talking about mind maps but now it seems to represents a tool, a system, a checklist. I guess I am really not sure. Can someone explain to me what David is referring to by indicating that you need the right map.

It's just a matter of having the appropriate level of perspective. If you're in Florida and thinking about Oregon, you need a map of the United States. But if you're on 42nd Street in Manhattan and trying to find a restaurant, a map of the United States is of very little use to you. Just try to make sure the mental 'map' you are using to take in and process a given situation is the right one to have for where you are and for what you need to do.

John

Comment

It's just a matter of having the appropriate level of perspective. If you're in Florida and thinking about Oregon, you need a map of the United States. But if you're on 42nd Street in Manhattan and trying to find a restaurant, a map of the United States is of very little use to you. Just try to make sure the mental 'map' you are using to take in and process a given situation is the right one to have for where you are and for what you need to do.

An excellent explanation. Just to bring it home, all the parts of gtd, the workflow diagram, the natural planning model, the horizons of focus, and so on, are "maps" in that general sense.

Comment

I think you are correct about the mind maps. Tools, checklists, planners. They are all different views about the same thing. If you think about it in terms of mind maps it could mean having a sequential progression of steps to get from where you are to where you want to be. (ie youre mind map has a connected set of items from current state to goal.

Lets say you wanted to build a deck, It wouldn't help to to go to the hardware store and start buying supplies unless you had already drawn up plans, a budget, and obteined the necessary permits.

having lists means you've already created the map, the lists just help you remember the stops along the way.

If you're in Florida and thinking about Oregon, you need a map of the United States. But if you're on 42nd Street in Manhattan and trying to find a restaurant, a map of the United States is of very little use to you.

John

That's a great explanation of Horizons of Focus.

Comment

Any tool used to orient yourself. Where am I relative to today's commitments? (Map = calendar.) What do I need to be aware of, as I meet with my boss? (Map = agenda list.) What should I know or be reminded of about the family vacation? (Maps = travel checklist, calendar of travel events, any plans or details about the content to review.) Where am I about my lifestyle and career right now? (Map = Vision Horizons of Focus.) What do I need from the farmer's market? (Map = physical walkways of the market.)